Green Terror – Aequidens rivulatus

Place of Origin: Ecuador and Peru from the Tumbes River in the northEastern corner of Peru through the Ecuadorian outlet of the Esmeraldes River

Common Length: 12 inches if kept with adaquate water conditons ans ample tank space. The female Green Terror will stop growing after her first spawn and will stay that size throughout the remainer of her life.

Coloration: A brilliant green coloration with smaller black spots forming lines running horizontally on body. One larger black spot centrally located in the middle of the body. Tail fin has amazing coloration mixing from black at tail base to a redish blend into yellow tips. There mouth has a brilliant pattern almost neon greenish coloration with lines sprouting from the eye and reaching the mouth. Pectorial fins are often a stained yellow coloration.

Body Structure: Common South American Cichlid body structure, ovally formed. Commonly mistaken for Blue Acara although Green Terrors show a more pronounced head bump when matured.

Tank Buddies: Green Terrors should be kept with other Green Terrors or other South American Cichlids of like temperment. Oscars, Red Devils, Jack Demspey, Convict Cichlid, and Pacu can be kept with them if tank conditions permit.

Aggression Level: Overly aggressive. Not as severe as the Convct Cichlid but will terrorize fish or smaller size when matured. If breeding it is best to remove other fish as the Green Terrors become extremely aggressive and will defend their mating spot and nest to their death.

Breeding: Breeding of Green Terrors is relatively easy compared to most of South American cichlid. No special ph or hardness changes are required. Like most other South American Cichlids the spawning pair will lay and fertilize eggs on a flat rock. However unlike most South American cichlids they will not hide their eggs. The female will take a prodominent role in raising the fry as the male protects the female and eggs. Green Terror are known to aquarists as very good parents to their fry. This makes them much more easily breed. For best results when breeding it is best to group them as juveniles as a larger group and remove the unpaired Green Terrors as the paired couple are ready to spawn. Failure to do so may result in extreme aggression and overall a loss of fish. It is common for females to lay anywhere from 200-500 eggs in one spawning.

Aquarium Setup: Green Terrors as most other South American cichlids prefer nature environment settings in the tank. A tank with ample size (55 gallons for 1, 75 gallons for a breeding pair) should be established. They are very hardy fish and are easily kept. Driftwood, rickwork, and caves will provide the Green Terror with ample hiding spots and reduce the overall stress on the fish.

Feeding: Green Terrors are carnivorous and providing them with a well balanced diet is essential to bring out their vibrant colors. Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold, NLS Large Fish Formula, or NLS Cichlid Formula all have color enhancing nutrients in them to provide the fish the proper nutrition. Supplementation of freeze dried shrimp, kreel, bloodworms, tubifex worms, or veggies will also support healthy nutrional habits.